WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Two Beechcraft T-6C trainer aircraft for the Royal New Zealand Air Force have arrived in the country and will be delivered to the service in October.

The Ministry of Defense said the two planes are the first two of 11 aircraft ordered and the remainder will be arrive in the country by mid-2015.

"It is great to see the first T-6C aircraft arrive in New Zealand just seven months after Beechcraft Defense Company was awarded the contract to deliver a new effective military pilot training system," said Defense Minister Jonathan Coleman.

"This project is a good example of smart and efficient procurement. The $154 million pilot training package will deliver a modern reliable training system ensuring our military pilots are trained to the highest performance and safety standards."

"The T-6C aircraft has a proven track record with other militaries, and it will be a great addition to our Air Force capability. The T-6C will provide the basic training for all military pilots to prepare them for the Air Force's new and upgraded aircraft," he said.

New Zealand's fleet of T-6Cs are scheduled to be operational for pilot training by 2016.

New Zealand's pilot training system using the T-6C includes ground simulators, and classroom-and computer-based training packages. Flight simulators and ground-based training devices are being supplied and installed by CAE Simulation.

Maintenance and support for the trainers is being provided by CAE Australia and NZ Safe Air Limited.

United Press International is a leading provider of news, photos and information to millions of readers around the globe via UPI.com and its licensing services.

With a history of reliable reporting dating back to 1907, today’s UPI is a credible source for the most important stories of the day, continually updated - a one-stop site for U.S. and world news, as well as entertainment, trends, science, health and stunning photography. UPI also provides insightful reports on key topics of geopolitical importance, including energy and security.

A Spanish version of the site reaches millions of readers in Latin America and beyond.

UPI was founded in 1907 by E.W. Scripps as the United Press (UP). It became known as UPI when after a merger with the International News Service in 1958, which was founded in 1909 by William Randolph Hearst. Today, UPI is owned by News World Communications.